Car truck



Dec. 1 3, 1927. 1,652,808

D; S. BARROWS CAR TRUCK FiledJan. 19. 1927 ,3 Sheets-Sheet 1 tot /7/:S attozmst IIIA 5 Mm Mmm Rs Dec. 13, 1927. A 1,652,808

D. s. BARRows GAR TRUCK Filed Jan. 19. 1972? :s sheets-Sheet 2 J4 J4 y= 5 JJ .35

"null" "'"lllu' Dec. 13, 1927. 1,652,808

D. S. BARROWS GAR TRUCK Filed Jan. 19. 1927 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Patented. Dec. 13, H927.

UNITED STATES DONALD s. Bannows, oF

ROCHESTER, NEW YORK.

CAR TRUCK.

Application led Jannary'19, 1927. Serial No. 162,137.

This invention relates to, railway car trucks and, more particularly, to the construction of the side frames, holsters and spring planks thereof, as well as the connection between said members and the spring arrangements for supporting said holsters.

Thel principal object of my invention, gen'- erally considered, is the improvement in car trucks and particularly the construction of lo the side frames, spring planks, spring plates, bolsters and the arrangement of the bolster 'springs whereby increased strengthof the frames and increased capacity of the .bolster springs are secured.

An object of my inventionis the provision of car trucks formed with side frames in which the tension member between the bolster guide columns is reinforced at the critical points adjacent the junctions with said bolster guide columns-as well as rigidly supported and strengthened by reinforcing portions extending upwardly from near the center ot' the spring plank seat portion diag# onally upward and outward past the bolster guide columns toward each end of the frame and forming, in effect, a supplemental truss directly supporting the spring plank se'at'portion of the frame adjacent the center thereof, the spring plank being formed so as to interlock with said spring seat'portion reinforcement and adapted to support a nest of springs.

Another object of my invention is to provide in an integral side frame construction a plurality of truss structures, at leasty one of said trusses having the inclined portions meeting substantially on the transverse cen-l ter line of said side frame and at least one of the other trusses having the angular portions disposed outside of the strut portions of said side frame. f

An additional Iobject of my invention is the provision of aside frame having a. tension member whichI is, in `ei'ef':t,sa central yhorizo'ntalb'eam between the bolster guide portions of.theA frame supported atits ends by. diagonal end portions ofthe tension member and additionally supported near its center by other diagonal por ions extending above the main diagonal end portions of the tension member and converging outwardly with respect thereto. a A further object of my invention is the provision of a side frame Afor railway car trucks in which the tension member at the junction Awith the bolster guide columns is" reinforced by triangular embossments extending upwardly along the longitudinal center line of the frame between the spring plank seat portion of the tension member and the inner walls of the bolster guide columns.

A still further object of my invention is t-he vprovision of a railway ca /r truck in which the spring plank seat portions of the side frames thereof are substantially square in-plan and support nests of springs substantially H-shape in outline, the uprights of said Hs extending longitudinally of thev frames on either side of the longitudinal center lines thereof an the cross parts of the Hs lying substantia ly at the centers of the spring plank seat portions.

An additional object of my invention is the construction of the parts of a truck, such as the side frames, bolster and spring plank, so that the side frames are very-o much stronger than usual at critical portions thereofsuch as the junctions between tension members and bolster guide columnsand theA spring plank interlocks with the spring plank seat portion of the frame without the use of the usual squaringlugs, said bolster being formed to facilitate its insertion and removal with respect to the frame by de creasing the ydepth ofthe front or outer guide lugs to agree with the decreased depth of the window opening beneath the bolster guiding portions of the guide columns.

Another object of my invention is the provision of spring plates for H-shaped spring groupings,r said spring plates being constructed for properly positioning the springs and also for interlocking with an associated spring plank or bolster.

A further object of my invention is the minimizing of the deflection incident to the middle or spring seat portion of the tension member of the side frame by incorporating in the frame a double truss system, one truss being approximately a simple triangle carrying' a central load, the other being of the three panel type having two vertical struts and carrying two concentrated loads at the junctions with said struts.

A specific object of my inventlon 1s the provision of car ytrucks formed with side frames in which the tension member between the bolsterguide columns is reinforced at the critical points adjacent the junctions with said bolster guide columns, as well as rlgidly supported and stren thened, by an upward embossment along t e longitudinal center the frame and forming,

line vof the frame extending from near the center of the spring plank seat portion diagonally upward and outward through the bolster guide columns toward each end lof in effect, a supplemental truss directly supporting the sprmg plank seat portion of the frame adjacent they center thereof, the spring plank being slmllarly formed so as to interlock with said reinforcement and adapted to. support. a

nest of springs arranged substantially Hf shape. in plan with the uprights of the 'H arranged as two lonfritudinal ,rows on either side of the longitudinal vcenter line and a transverse row arranged substantially along Y vthe longitudinal center line of lthe spring the line 3 -3 of FigureK plank, said transverser row comprising one or more spring units depending on the capacity desired .and the bolster supported by said nest of springs being formed with front or vouter guide lugs of reduced depth to facilitate' insertion and removal thereof over the embossed portions of the spring plank seat. a a. Other objects and advantages of the invention relating to the particular arrangement and combination of the various parts willy become apparent as the -description proceeds.

Referring to the drawings illustrating my invention, the scope whereof is defined by the appended claims:

Figure 1 is a sideA elevation of a, truck,

articularly showing a portion of a side rame thereof: with its l associated spring plank, bolster and nest of springs.

Figure Qi/is a plan of a portion of the truck, parts of a side frame thgreof being shown in section on the line 2f-2 of Figure 1, looking in the direction ofthe arrows.

Figure 3 is a transversegsectional view on 1 looking in the direction of the arrows.

Figures 4 and 5 are transverse sectionall views on the correspondingly numbered lines of Figure 1 looking in the direction of the arrows. l

Figures 6, 7,8 and 9 are diagrammatic illustrations of alternative or modified spring arran ements.

Figire is a transverse sectional view corresponding to Figure 5 showing a slightly modifiedform of the tension member of my improved side frame.`

Flgure 11 1s a partlal slde elevation of a. side frame wlth integral journal boxes and showing a further embgdiment of my inven- Figures l2 and 13 are transverse rsectional lvlews on the correspondingly numbered linesof Figure 1l looking in the direction of the arrows.

Figure 14 is a plan-of the end portion of a spring plank and spring arrangement illustrating a further embodiment of`my invention, a portion of the side frame adjacent said spring plank being shown in `horizontal sections I Figure 15 is a partial side elevational View of the embodiment shown in Figure 14.

Figure 16 is a diagram illustrating the theory of trussdesign for the side frame of my invention.

Referring to the' drawings in detail, like parts being designated by like reference characters andfirst considering the embodiment illustrated in Figuresl to 5, inclusive, there is shown a portion of a truck comprising a side frame 1 preferably formed of ast steel, although it will be obvious that certain advantages of my invention may be obtained when using frames 'of other than cast construction. pressionmember 2, a tension member 3, and bolster guide columns or strut portions 4 spacing, intermediate portions ofsaid compression and tension members, leaving window opening 5 therebetween. The compression and tension-members, in the present embodiment, alleJ shown joined to each other and to a jaw shaped portion 6"adjacent each 15end of the frame which portions '6 are adapted to embrace and be connected to associated journal boxes (not shown) or, if desired, yjournal boxes may be integrally connected to the ends of said frame.

The tension member 3, between the bolster columns, is "generally box shape in cross section and comprises an upper web 7 forming a spring plank seat portion, a lower web 8 and side webs 9 and 10, respectively. rigidifying and strengthening the side frame and particularly the tension member and bolster guide columns, to form upper diag-y onally disposed web portions 11 which start near the center of the spring plank seat portion or upper web 7 and .extend diagonally upward through the bolster guide columns toward the ends of the frame. This construction results, in effect, in a bifurcation of the upper web portion of the tension member producing a triangular or inclined reinforce- `lnent at the junction between the tension member andbolstenlguid'e columns and.' in addition, forms embossmcnts with which the spring plank is adapted to engage. thereby obviating the necessity of the usual squar- /ing lugs. This reinforcement also has the effect of reducing the effective depth of the window opening 5 for the insertion of the bolster 12, thereby making it desirable to 'decrease the height of the front or outer guide lugs 13 to correspond with the depth ybetween the bolster guiding portions 14 of the bolster. guide columns 4 and the reinforcement l1. The rear or inner bolster Forl guides may be of normal depth, if desired. I

For providing an" adequate spring sup- `porting area, the upper web 7, between the bolster guide columns or spring plank seat portion, is laterally extended beyond the Webs 9 and 10 as indica-ted at 15 and y16. These extensionsdl and 16 are preferably braced with respect to the webs 9 and 10 by triangular gusset portions 17. The Webs of theY box-shaped portion of the tension member may'likewise be braced interiorly by gusset portions 18, as shown most clearly in Figure 3. In addition to the interior gusset portions 18, a plurality of cracking Aribs 19, to retard Acooling of the metal upon casting and thereby obviate theformation of imperfections, adjacent, the junctions be tween the horizontal portion of the tension member and the diagonal end portions beyond the windew opening 6, may be employed.

Considering t-he v tension member in gen- ,eral, it 'will be seen that the main portion thereof is substantially horizontal between the bolster guide columns 4 at its upper surface and curved at its lower surface and particularly beneath said bolster guidel columns. This 4portion of the tension member also decreases in depth from the central part toward the ends thereof. The spring plank seat portion or upper Web 7 is extended diagonally upward from the side of the window opening 5 toward the ends of'theframe, the lower web 8 curving beneath the bolster guide columns and extending diagonally upwardly and slightly converging with respect to the diagonal portion of the upper web 7,.

lThe lower web 8, however, may be apertured as indicated at 20, the edges of said aperbeading 21.

of the frame, it may be formed as two spaced portions extending upwardly and'outwardly,

thespring units now lpositioned on either side thereof being disposed therebetween. That is, the end spring units, instead offbe- 1 ing widely spacedlon either side of the-reinforcement, as shown in Figure 2, may "be moved towardthe longitudinal center line to occupy the space now taken by .the reinforcement 11, and be spaced as close thereto ,n and to each other as the springs, shown 'in Figures 6 and 8, on the longitudinal center .line ofthe spring plank. This reinforcesos 3 ment, and particularly the upperl web thereof, is pre erably extended from the outer edge of the central upward and outwar toward the ends of the frame at a slightly smaller' angle than the diagonal portions of the web 7 so that it is slightly convergent with respect to said web. The web 11 may be bif'urcated with the ends spring unit 23 diagonally? graduallytapering and merging into upi right webs24 extending from the upper surface of the Web 7,'said point of mergence corresponding approximately With the point of contraflexure, ory being approximately half-wayI betweenpthe bottom of the `respective bolster guide rcolumn and the adjacent junction between the'tension and compression members. Beyond lthe point of contraflexure, the loss of the reinforcing web portior/rlll may be compensated for by increasing the depth oftsaid web portions 24, the

upper edges of which afre outwardly beadedas illustrated, until the same merge with the compressionmember 2. lIt will be seen that the web portions 24 are more closely spaced than the side webs 9 and 10 until said latter webs, due to the narrowing of the main portion of the tension member, converge to the same distance apart, causing a disappearance of the webs 7 and a mergence with the webs 24 adjacent thejunctions with the compression member.

The only reason that lthere is a point'ofX v contrafiexure at any-point in the/diagonal end .portions f thev tension member is that the frame, as a whole, is one casting withl rigid joints at the junctions of the members thereof. If the members were pin-connected at the junctions,pwhen the frame was loaded normally or not merely in a horl- Zontal direction, angular variations would occur at all panel points or pin connections.

lop

Since with a cast frame, no such variations are possible, because of the rigidl junctions between the members, flexure in said members is'induced instead of angular .var1at1ons' therebetween, said iiexure occurring in varying degrees in each member, the d1agona1 portions of the tension member being flexed to a double or S curve so that, where the center of curvature shifts from one side of the member td the other, a point of contraflexure is produced. In the present embodiment, these points are approximately half way between the bottom of a bolster guidecolumn andthe adjacent junction with the compression member.

' The web 7, and particularly the diagonal izo end portions thereof, ireferablygextends -toward the ends of the rame at approximately an ,angle such thatrif contlnued, 1t would unite with the lower web 8 adjacent the upper inner corner ofthe box engaging portion 6 of the frame. Said web, however, gradually merges intothe webp24 so that it terminates short of .any umon with-the web 8. The loss of the web 7 is preferably compensated for by gradually increasing the thickness of the lower web 8 from adja- `cent theend of the web 7 to the 4junction between the web 8 and the journal box engaging portion 6,

From a consideration of Figures 4 and 5 particularly, it will be seen that, adjacent the lower ends of the bolster guide columns 1U and for some distance outwardly thereof,

the tension member is generally .shaped as an inverted hollow, T in cross section, the upper reinforcing web 11 and the side webs 24 being narrower than. the intermediate l web 7 and the lside webs 9 and 10.41 On account of the upstanding substantially triangular embossment 11 at each lower corner c of the bolster opening, interlocking engagement is provided for between the spring ,2" ,plank 25 and said reinforcement by forming v upward corrugations 26 adjacent the ends of said spring plank to register and interlock' cated most clearly in Figure 2, with a'central rows of springs.`

double coil spring unit 23, nof springs being fpositioned ,over the inclined \r corrugated portions 26 of the spring plank and the reinforcing portions 11 of the side frame. For fifty ton trucks, instead of usingseven spring umts, six only need beem'ployed, as indicated in Figure 6, each longitudinal rowv of springs comprising ltwo double-coil spring umts with two single-coil spring units posit-ioned on the`longitudinal center line of the spring plank. The arrangements for 'a forty ton truck are diagrammatically illustrated in Figlires 7, 8 and 9 in which live, six and four unit nests of springs are shown. The first arrangement corresponds with that Y for the seventyL ton truck omitting the intermediate spring units of the longitudinal Although, for a forty ton trilck, five spring units may be used` as indicated Figure 7 yet what is considered amore desirable varrangement of springs is illustrated in Figure 8, in which six single coil 'sprmgv units are employed, which may be spaced as shown in Figure 6 for the fifty v ton truck. As an additional embodiment showing the spring arrangement for a forty tontruck, four spring Iunits only may be employed as illustrated in Figure 9, said umts, being double coils, each arranged at van extreme `corner of the substantially square spring plank seat portion of the frame. It will be apparent that this latter spring arrangement gives a capacity, when standard spring units are employed, corresponding with that of the normal of A. R. A. spring arrangement for fifty ton trucks. Of course, for forty and fifty ton trucks, the outer or extrene spring units Vmay be moved closer together to correspond/with the standard spacing of springs and the decrease in size of the bolster opening for lighter frames. f

Referring now to the embodiment of my inventionillustrated in Figure 10which is a section corresponding to that illustrated in Figure, it will be seen that the tension member adjacent and inwardly of the bolster guide columns need not involve any vertical webs connecting the diagonal web portion 11EL with the bifurcated spring plank seat portion 7a of thehorizontal portion of Athe tension member 3a. The only change, therefore, between the embodiment' illus-v trated in FigureIO and that illustrated in Figures 1, 2 andr5 is the omission of the ver- .tical webs 24 which, in the first embodiment, connect the diagonal web 1l with the horizontal web 7, between the. bolster 'guide' columns. y

Referring now to the embodiment of my invention illustrated in Figures 11,12 and 18, a frame is there disclosed involving integral boxes 6b connected adjacent thefjunc tions between the` compression member 2b and the tension member 3b, in lieu ofthe jaw-shaped portions 6 of the first embodiment adapted for connection with journal boxes. Another change with respect to the first embodiment is that the top web or uper diagonal portion 11b of the tension memer 3b is curved slightly straight, it being permlssible in either'em' bodiment to either. slightly curve this upper web portion or extend the same straight fromvnear the center of the spring plank seat portion toward .the adjacent end of the rather than being frame. Another variation in the present embodiment over that of the first embodiment is that the web 11b is connected to the main portion of the tension member comprising an upper web 7", side webs 9" and 10b and a bottomwelrSbfby a single preferably verti-- cal web -24b preferably centrally disposed rather than `by a pair of webs 24 extending from the sides ofthe-web'fpll to theadjacent `s1des of the bifurcated portions of the web 7.

In otherfwords, in.the present embodiment, j

' the upper diagonal yportions of thev tension.l

member yare ksubstantially T-shape rather l than U-shape in cross section, said section,

when combined with the main` portion of the tension member, forming an `inverted goblet shape, as illustrated in Figures 12 and 13, where the web 8? is apertured as indicated at 20". This section gradually changesto a composite box land T-shaped sectlon outoutwardly over the journal box 6l? or, if

merely a jaw-shaped portion such as shown in the first embodiment is employed, over said portion. The compression member '2b may be formed with intermediate portions substantially asV shown in the first embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 5, inclusive, the end portions, however, involving a converging of the side flanges' 34h-thereof to finally unite as indicated at 39 thereby involving a change in the end portions ofthe compression member `from Uito T-shape in cross section. The upper flanges or web portions 11b of the tension member may curve around at the'junction with the compression member and merge with fianges or outwardly extending beading h on the compression member. LXcept as specifically described in connection with the pr'esent embodiment, the construction may correspond with that lof the first embodiment.

Although the nest of springs may be directly supported on the spring plank, which may be specially formed for the purpose, yet a preferred construction involves the use of a spring plate 27 formed generally H- shape in outline With thelends ofthe uprights of the H embracing thelupwardly corrugated portion 26 of the spring plank 25 to thereby maintain said spring plate in proper position. For a seventy ton truck, each spring plate 27 is formed with sevenspring positioning collars or fianges 28spaced to correspond with the desired spacing of the spring units 22 and 23. For' fifty and forty ton trucks, the spring plates are correspondingly modified lto correspond with the spring groupings illustrated in Figures 6 to 9, inclusive. Likewise, an upper spring plate 29 may be employed with each nest of springs, said upper spring plate desirably corresponding with the lower 'spring plate 27 except that it is advantageously provided with a desired form of positioning means 3() engaging in corresponding apertures 3l in the bolster 12, in accordance with usual practice.,

Although the lower spring plate may also be formed with positioning means engaging in corresponding apertures in the ,spring plank as is customary, yet such a construction is not necessary on account of the H-shape of said plate involving aproper positioning of the same, if accurately formed, without the 'necessity of auxiliary positioning means.

Although no spring retaining means is illustrated for connecting the 'spring plates and holding the springs in assembled position therebetween before insertion, it is obvious' that such could be employed, if desired. Because of the Weight of the assembled springs 22 and 23, it might be quite difficult to insert Athem in place, an easier Way being the insertion ofL the spring units, one at a time, after `the spring plates are positioned.

- Referring now to the embodiment of my lnvention illustrated in Figures 14 and l5, a portion of a frame 1 is there disclosed, the window v'opening 5 of which is Wider than that of the first embodiment so that the nest of springs may be inserted and removed as a unit. In order that this may be effected, the distance between the bolster guiding portions 14 of the frame is greateg than the longitudinal length of the nest of springs so that said springs 22 and 23 may be held in assembled position between spring plates 27 and 29, said plates, in the present embodiment, being shown retained in assembled relation with respect to one another by retaining bolts 40 extending through the central or intermediate spring units of the longitudinally disposed rows of springs, th'e heads of said bolts being received in the spring locating collars 41 for said springs, said collars, for that purpose, being ems bossed to a sufficient degree for receiving said heads and apertured for receiving the shanks of the bolts. The registering collars 42 of the other spring plate are preferably similarly formed for receiving the nuts 43 in accordance with usual practice. The

other spring positioning collars 28 may be formedmerely-as cylindrical flanges of normal size for properly positioning the springs.

Although it is permissible. to construct the spring plates 27 and 29 as shown in the first embodiment, yet it is preferable, in the present embodiment, on account of the greater stiffness required therefor, because of the retaining means 40, to form the intermediate portion thereof along the longitudinal centei` line of the frame of greater V Width than that corresponding-to the diam` eter of the central spring unit 23 those portions 44 of the plates on either side of said central unit and registering with the upwardly embossed portions 26 of the spring plank 25 being correspondingly embossed, thereby vfacilita-ting the proper nesting of the spring plate 27c with the spring plank I 25 The upper spring plate 28 need not be formed with corresponding embossments but, for the sake 3.of uniformity and interchangea-bility, -it is l preferable to form said spring plates of identical construction.

In order to allow for compression of the springs due to the-load of the car, the spring plank 25 and the spring plank seat portion 7 may be provided with registermg apertures 45 and 46 in :accordance with well known practice. Both spring plates are desirabIy, though not necessarily, formed with v)positioning means 30, those in the present embodiment being shown as conical bosses adapted for reception in aperturesv or pockets 31 in the bolster 12 and 47 in the spring plank 25. The arrangement illustrated in `these f/igures is very well adapted forthe 'application of'a simple liner or shim 48 between the upper Vspring plate 29 and the bolster 12 after said springs have taken a set inservice, whereby it is possible to readily maintain the required height of the car body and vassociated couplers. Except as specifically described in connection with the modification illustrated in .these figures, Athe construction may correspond with that of the first embodiment.

It willJ be clear that the advantageof the y. present embodiment 'over that of the firstv embodiment is that the nest of springs, may

`vbe assembled at any convenient place before insertion under the bolster and the nest, as a whole, with its associated spring plates and retaining means, applied as a -unit between the spring plank and the bolster. v The vonly disadvantagey of the present embodi- 'A in Figures 6 to 9, inclusive.

ment with. respect to the rstl embodiment is that it involves `handling a nestof springs.

v inwardly-and outwardly thereof on the longitudinal center line of said spring plank. In the arrangement illustrated in Figure 7,

the spring retainers may occupy the same relative positionsas with the seven spring "unitnest or one retainer only may be e'mployed extending through the central spring unit. .In the arrangement shown in Fig- .ure 9; one or two s ring retainers may be employed either positioned centrally of the four spring units or disposed along the longitudinal center line of the. spring plank.

The spring plank 25 may be? of uniform width corresponding .with the width of the end portions thereof or maybe ofreducedf Width betweenv the yside frames, if desired. If of reduced width, the enlarged ends can be formedwhen using a; blank of uniform width by reducing the height of the flanges 32 at the widened ends. These flanges may be stillfurther'reduced at the corrugations 26p to permit insertion and re oval of the spring plank with respect to th frames 1.v

In ^the present embodiment, the compression member 2 is illustrated as of a special U-section with an upper web 33 and depending. flanges 34, the lower edges ofwhich are preferably formed with beading 35 as most clearly shown. in Figures 3 and 4.' The horizontal or transverse section of the bolster member.

guide columns and particularly the bolster guiding portions 14there0f desirably correspond substantially with the compression member except that the inner or bolster guiding portions 36 thereof may be fiat instead of convex as shown for the compression member. The compression member and particularly the special shape. or cross section thereof is not here described in detail nor claimed because thisparticular shape is made the subject matter of a separate application. The outwardly offset or lower portionsv of the bolster guide columns 4 may be laterally'widened as indicated at 37 and bifurcated at 38 to permit the inclined reinforcingweb 11 tov pass therethrough.

Referringnow to Figure 16, I have 'there shown a diagramto illustrate the theory of truss designby which the present side frame was constructed. The outline of the frame is illustrated diagrammatically by dotand dash line and the lines of force for the simpleV compression `a d tensile stresses .in the frame are indicate by heavier lines extending approximately along the neutral axes of the various members. It should be pointed out that, in .accordance with the present invention I am attempting, as far as constructional limitations will permit, to eliminate the deflection incident to.) the middle or spring at portion of the tension member which is normally a relatively shallow semi-fixed beam, by incorporating in the main structure a double truss system, the main truss being a conventional three panel truss having two vertical members S1 and S2 corresponding to thebolster guide columns and carrying two approximately equal concentrated loads IVZ and `W3 at points approximating the intersection of the lor tension member with said bolster guide columns'and' they junctions between the horiv zontal and inclined portions of said tension.

The other or auxiliary truss apprommates a simple triangle carrying a cen-.110 tral load Wl at the intersection of its tension members A1 and A2, the compression member or members 0j said truss being common with the main truss and involving end compression portions C1 and C2 exteriorly of 115 the bolster guide columns and anJintermediate compression portion C? between the bol- Ster guide columns. The end portions of the tension member of the main or three panel truss are indicated respectively at T1 120 and T2 and the intermediate or horizontal port-ion at T3. The reactions from the journals of the truck wheels (not shown). are designated by Rlfand R2.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that the compression portions. 'of both trusses are embodied, in the first modification, as the compression member 2, the tension portions of the main truss are embodied as the main portions of the tension member indiall lon

cated by the webf7 land those yportions of the `the auxiliary truss, it will be seen that the tension members A1 and A2 thereof are embodied as the upperinclined webs 1l and the lconnecting webs 24, although as before pointed out these portions may be considerably varied in crois section and location. will be seen that, with a grouping of springs as illustrated in Figures 1 and. 2 theloads VF and XV? would each approximately represent the capacity of two adjacent springs while the load at 71, theoretically carried by the auxiliary t-russ system described, represents the capacity of from one to three or more springs depending on the desired capacity of the truck.

Of course,'it will be understood that the frame will not function inexactly this 'l theoretical manner because the auxiliary truss will probably not carry all the springs on the longitudinal center line of the spring plank as some of" the .capacity thereof will create a central load on the beam portion T3. In other words, the distribution of the load between the main and auxiliary trusses will depend upon the -relative deflections of said trusses and, as they are formed in one casting, it is impossibleI to exactly'analyz'e the actual distribution. porting loads transmitted from the bolster,

oivever, is asl shown in Figure 16 and, although in practical application it may not be possible to calculate the exact stresses on the various parts from this diagram, yet the application of this theory of design in the construction of the frame before described involves lan increase in strength of said frame for a given amountof metal, because said metal is applied most advantageously for carrying-the load distributed from the bolster by the spring arrangements hereto- -fore mentioned.

From the foregoing description of a preferred embodiment of myinvention taken in connection with the accompanyinol drawings, it will be seen that .I have provided a truck involving a number of important `improvements in side frame, spring plank and bolster desigr together with an improved spring arrangement. .The spring group, in a preferred form thereof, is substantially square in outline with three springs on a side and the column springs omitted, a portion ofthe tension member being carried on-a straight,

line or easy curve from beyond the bolster guide columns tonear the center of the spring-plank seat-portion and more particularly to just beyond the center spring unit or transverse group of springs. This leaves a center flat portion on the spring plank seat portion of. the frame of relatively narrow The theory of sup- 'f substantially the center thereof. This construction also serves to increase the diagonal 'depth of the tension member at the base of each bolster guide column, not by downward or outside lprojections or convolutions, as heretofore, ut by upward or inside truss portions or reinforcements, thereby greatly stiifening the frame or permitting a decrease in Weight thereof for a given strength.r

The spring plank is designed to/correspond with the construction of the spring plank seat portion and is preferably provided with corru-gations corresponding to the upward embossments formed' by the reinforcement described, thereby obviating the necessity of thelusual squaring lugs and making it permissible toxform the spring plank seat poi'- tion of the frame generally lat, although it will be obvious that the usual squaring lugs may also be used if desired. The bolster is preferably formed# with rear or inner guides of full depth and front or outer guides decreased in depth to suit the window opening, which opening also corresponds with that requiredfor the removal and insertion of the spring plank.

Although I have shown I nyv invention embodied in a frame havingvmembers gem` erally U or partially U shape in cross section, it is obvious that I do not Wish to be 1. A side frame comprising a compression member, a tension member, struts spacing intermediate portions of said members and .leaving a window opening therebetweemthat portion of the tension member, beneath'the windowopening, being rwidened to form a spring plank seatportion, said tension member outwardly of said spring plank seat pories tionv comprising inclined end portions, each of which consists of upper and lower portions angularly disposedI with respect to each? other.

2. A side frame comprising a compression therebetween and spaced to leave a window opening, that'portionv of the tension member, beneath the window opening, being laterally widened for supporting ,bolster springs,

the tension member extending toward the ends of the frame from the spring support!- ing portion, thereof to form diagonally disposed end portions, each end portion comprising a, plurality of sections, one lof said. sections starting from Anear. the center of the spring supportin portion and another section starting from near the-adjacent end of "member, a tension member, struts interposed the spring supporting portion and each .extending-directly toward the adjacent end t the tension mem er, beneath the window fil opening, being a apted for supporting bolster springs, the tension member :extending toward the ends ofthe frame from the spring supporting portion thereof to form diagonally disposed endportions, each end portion. comprising a plurality of sections, one of said sections starting from near the center of the spring supporting portion and another section. starting from near the adjacent end of the spring supporting V ortion and each extending directly ftowar the adjacent end of the frame. A

5. A side frame comprising a conipressionmemberfa tension member, bolster guide columns spacing intermediate portions of said members and leaving therebetween, that portion of fthe tension member, beneath the window opening, being adapted to support a nest of springs comprising an intermediate spring and end springs, said tension member being generally horiz ontal beneath said springs with end portions thereof extending diagonally outward.

and aupward beyond those portions for supporting the'end springs, another portion of said tension member extending diagonally outwardand upward immediatelybeyond a portion thereof for supporting an intermediate spring. l f e 6.' A side frame comprising a compression member, a tension member, bolster guide columns interposed therebetween and spaced to leave a window opening, that portion of the tension member, beneath the window opening, being adapted for supporting bolster springs,the tensidn member lextending towards Jthe e`nds of the Vframe from the spring supporting portion thereof and coni I. f

'sistmg of an upper web portion and another web portion disposed therebeneatln 'said portions starting from different parts of the s ring supporting portion of the tension mem er'and converging at their upper and outer ends.

7. A side frame comprising a compression member, a tension member, l bolster guide a1 window opening columns spacing lintermediate portions of said members and leaving 'a windowopening therebetween, that portion of the tension member, beneath the wmdow opening, 'hav-I ing an' upper web portion adapted forfsupporting bolster' sprmgs, said portion between the bolstery guide columns being substantially square in outline and adapted to support a spring on the transverse center eline' thereof and two longitudinal rows of springs on opposite sides ofthe longitudinal center line thereof, that portion. of the web beyond the centrall spring 'being bifurcated with the central portion i thereof extending' straight .upwardly and .outwardly toward the ends of thewframe with those portions thereof on opposite sides continued horizontally to underlie the 1 end springs of the longitudinal relws /of springs and then continued diagon- .a y 7 of the frame.

outward and upward teward the endsl 8. A sideframe comprisin'ga compression g member, a tension '-member, bolster guide columns interposedtherebetween and spaced to leave a window opening, that portion Iot' the Itension member, beneath the window opening, being adapted for supporting bolster springs, said tension member outwardly of said ybolster springs comprising an upper web extending directly from approximately and an intermediate web portion extending ydirectly outward andupward from the end springs.'

9. A side frame comprising acompression the center spring of said bolster springs member, a tension member,bols"ter guide columns spacing intermediate portionsl of said members and leaving `a window open- 'ing therebetween, that portion of the tension member, beneath* the window opening, forming a spring supporting portion,l said spring Lsupporting portion comprising a horizontal webl substantially H-shapei in plan, those portions of the web between the ends of the uprights of the H being raised' and extended directly diagonally upward and outward towardf the lends of the frame to increase .the diagonal depth of the tension member at the I.base of the bolster lguide columns.

1 0. A side frame comprising a `compres-A .'slon member, a tension I member,f bolster v guide columns interposed therebetween and spaced to leave a window opening-,that por-l i tion of the-tension member, beneath the window opening, being constructed for supporting bolster springs, the strength of said tension member beneath the bolster guide vcolumns being increased by raising the intermediate portion of the upper web thereof to (form la section beneath" each bolster.

gulde column substantially 'like ahollow inverted T. v

i l-. A side lframe comprising a compresi sion member, a tension" member, vbolster` gulde columns spacing intermediate portions of said members and leaving a window opening therebetween, that portion of the tension member, beneath the window o ning, being adapted to support bo ster springs, said portion comprising a. single web adjacent the central portion of the bolster openin and having a transverse portion thereot extending diagonally up ward and outward from the intermediate part thereof between the bolster guide columns, the main ortio'n of said web, at each bolster guide co umn, extending diagonally spect to the intermediate portion thereof.

sion member, a tension member, bolster guide columns interposed therebetween and spaced to leave a window opening, that portion of the tension member, beneath the window opening, being formed for supporting bolsterl s rings, the main portion'of said member etween the bolster guide columns being horizontally disposed with a portion thereof adjacent the longitudinal center line of the frame raised above the main portion andv carried'through the bolster guide columns to merge with the main portion near the center of the spring supporting portion.

13, A side frame comprising a com ression member, a tension member, bo ster guide columns spacing intermediate portions of said members and leaving a window opening therebetween, that portion of the tension member, beneath the window opening, having an upper web portion adapted for supporting bolster springs, said portion between the bolster guide columns being substantially square in outline and ada ted to support an intermediate spring and) two lon 'L tudinal rows of springs on opposite si es of the longitudinal center line thereof, that portion of the web vbe ond the intermediate spring being upward y embossed with'the central portion thereof extending directly upwardly and outwardly toward the ends of the frame with those portions thereof on opposite sides continued horizontally to underlie the end'springs of the longitudinal rows f springs and then continued diagonall outward and upward toward the ends of t e frame.

14. A side frame comprising a compression member, a tension member, bolster guide columns spacing intermediate ortions of said members and leaving a win ow opening therebetween, that portion of the tension member beneath the window opening being generally box shape in cross section and having an upper web portion adapted for supporting bolster4 springs, saidportion between the bolster guide columns being substantially square in plan and adapted to support an intermediate sprin adjacent the longitudinal center line of t e frame and two longitudinal rows of springs on opposite sides of said center line, that portion of the web beyond the intermediate spring being upwardly embossed with that portion adjacent the longitudinal center line of the frame extending directly upwardly and outwardly toward the ends of said frame, those portions of the web on opposite sides continued horizontally t0 underlie theY end springs of the lon itudinal rows of springs and then continue vdiagonally outward and upward toward the ends of the frame at a steeper angle than the central portion upward and outward to converge with re-,zv

thereof.

sion member, a Atension member, bolster guide columns spacing .intermediate ortions fof said membersand leaving a win ow opening therebetween, that portlon of the tension member, beneath the window opening, being generally box shape in cross section and having an upper webv portion adapted for supporting bolster springs, said portion between the bolster guide columns being substantially square in plan and adapted to support an intermediate spring adjacent the longitudinal center line of the frame and two longitudinal rows of springs on opposite sidesrof said center line, that portion of the web beyond the intermediate spring being upwardly embossed with that portion adjacent the longitudinal center line of the frame extending directly upwardly-and outwardly toward the ends of said frame, those portions of the web on opposite sides continued horizontally to underlie the end springs of the longitudinal rows of springs and then continued diagonally outward and upward toward the ends of the frame at a steeper angle than the central portion thereof, the lower web of the 'tension member being curved beneath the bolster guide columns and continued upwardly and outwardly toward the ends ofk the frame at a steeper angle than those of the other web portions.

16. A side frame comprising a tension member, said member being, in effect, a central horizontal beamosportion supported at each end by diagonal end portions and adjacent its center by other diagonal portions.

17. A side frame comprisinga compression member, a tension member, bolster guide columns spacing intermediate portions thereof, that portion of the tension member, between the bolster guide columns, comprising a beam supported by said columns and diagonal end portions of the tension member merging with the ends thereof, the central portion of said beam portion of the tension member being directly supported by other diagonal portions extending outwardly and upwardly through the bolster guide columns.

18. A side frame comprising a compression member, a tension member, struts s facing intermediate ortions of said mem ers and leaving a. win ow opening therebetween,

j '15. A side frame comprising a compres- 12. A side frame comprising a compresf. and leaving a window opening therebetween,

that portion of the tension member, beneath the window opening, being 'adapted to support bolster springs and reinforced by inclined bracing' portions extending from said tension member on either side-of the central portion thereof longitudinally of the frame, intersecting said struts and continuing above those portions of the tension member beyond the window opening.

20. A side frame comprising a compression member, a tension member, bolster guide columns spacing intermediate portions of said members, leaving a window opening therebetween, that portion of the tension member, beneath the window opening, being generallyv horizontal and reinforced by upwardly and outwardly inclined portions, each of said portions extending, from a point between the lower portion of a bolster guide column and the center of the tension member beneath the window opening, upwardly and outwardly past said bolster guide column toward the corresponding end of the frame above the main portion of the tension member, said -main portion following the lines of -said reinforcement toward the end of the frame.

21. A side frame comprising a compression member, a tension member, bolster guide columns interposed therebetween and spaced to leave a window opening, that portion of the tension member, beneath the window opening, being adapted for supporting bolster springs, the deiection normally incident to the intermediate portion of said spring supporting portion being minimized by auxiliary truss members extending upwardly and outwardly from near the central portion of said spring supporting portion above the inclined end portions of the tension member toward the ends of the frame.

22. A side frame comprising a compression member, a tension member, bolster guide columns interposed therebetween and spaced to leave a window opening, the construction, adjacent the junctions between the bolster guide columns and tension member, being reinforced by auxiliary diagonal tension members which cut across the lower corners of the bolster opening and 'extend upwardly and outwardly toward the ends of the frame.

23. A side frame comprising a compres-h sion member, a tension member, bolster guide columns spacing intermediate portions of said members and leaving a window opening therebetween, that portion of the tension member, beneath the window opening, form- -ing a seat for supporting the bolster springs,

columns and continuing'to the junctions with the compression member, the upper web portion continuing upwardly and outwardly toward the ends of the frame but terminating short ofthe junctions with the compression member, the loss of said upper web portion being compensated for by increasing the thickness of the lower web portion.

25. In a car truck, in combination, a side frame formed with compression and tension ,members spaced at intermediate portions thereof by bolster columns leaving a bolster opening therebetween, the tension member, beneath the bolster opening, being formed with a spring seating portion substantially square in plan, and a nest of springs supported -on said spring seating portion, said nest being arranged with three spring units on a side omitting the units at the bolster columns.

26. In a car truck, in combination, a side frame comprising compression and tension members spaced at intermediate portions thereof by bolster guide columns, leaving a window opening therebetween, that portion of the tension member, beneath the window opening, being laterally widened with the junction between it and the'bolster guide columns reinforced by upwardly embossed portions extending along the longitudinal center line thereof from near the center through the bolster guide columns ltoward the ends ofthe frame, a nest of springs supported on said portion, said springs being arranged in two longitudinal rowsF lying on each side of the upwardly embossed portions and a central spring positioned between said rows and embossed portions.

27. In a\c\ar truck, in combination, a side frame comprising ,a compression member, a tension member, bolster guide columns interposed therebetween and spaced to leave a window opening, that portion of the tension member, beneath the window opening, being formed for supporting a nest of springs and reinforced with respect to the bolster guide columns by triangular upward embossments between the ends of said portion andthe duced depth to permit insertion and .re-

moval thereof over the reinforcing embossments. 28. In a car truck, in combination, a sid frame. comprising a compression member, a tension member, bolster guide columns spacing intermediate portions of said members and leaving awindow opening therebetween, that portion of the tension member, beneath the Window opening, being formed with embossment-s extending from the ends thereof to the bolster guide columns, a spring -plank supported on said tension member and formed with corrugations interlocking with the embossments to maintain said plank in proper relation with respect to the frame, a nest of springs 'supported on said spring plank and arranged substantially H-shape in plan, the uprights of said H lying longitudinally of the frame on Opposite sides of the corrugations of the springplank and the cross part of the H lying longitudinally of the spring plank between theembossments thereof.

29. In 7a.vcar truck, in combination a side frame comprising a compression member, a tension member, bolster guide coiumns spacing intermediate portions of said members and leaving a window opening therebetween, that portion of the tensin member, beneath the window openingl being formed with embossments extending from the ends thereof to the bolster guide columns, a spring plank supported on said tension member and formed withv corrugationsnterlocking with the embossments to maintain said plank in proper relation with respect to the frame, a nest. of springs supported on said spring plank and arranged substantially H-shape in plan, rthe uprights of said Hlying longitudinally of the frame on opposite sides of the corrugations of the spring n plank and the cross part of the H lying longitudinally of the spring plank between the embossments thereof,`J a bolster supported on Asaid nest of springs, said bolster being formed with rear guides of full'dept-h and with front guides of reduced depth to agree with the reduced depth of the window opening adjacent the bolster guide columns.

30. In a car truck, in combination, a side.

Y frame formed with compression and tension members spaced at intermediate portions thereof by bolster guide columns, leaving a bolster opening therebetween, the tension member, beneath the bolster opening, being formed with a spring seating portion adapted to support a nest of springs comprising a spring disposed on the transverse center line of said frame, the spring seating portion of said frame being reinforced bymembers extending upwardly and outwardly therefrom on either side of said spring and between the springs of the nest transversely disposed with respect to said spring.

31. In a car truck, in combination, a side lrame comprising compression and tension members spaced at intermediate portions tliereofby bolster guide columns, leaving a window opening therebetween, that yportion of the tension member. beneath the window opening, being laterally widened for supporting a nest of springs arranged in two longitudinal rows with a spring positioned on the tranverse center line of the frame,

said spring supporting portion of the tension member being reinforced by inclined members extending upwardly and outwardly therefrom between the endmost springs of the longitudinal rows of springs.

32. In a car truck, in combination, a side frame comprising a compression member, a tension member, bolster guide columns interposed therebetween and spaced to leave a window opening, that portion of the tension member, beneath t-lie window opening. being formed for supporting a nest of springs and reinforced by inclined portions extending upwardly and outwardly from intermediate springs of said nest of springs toward the ends of the frame, said spring seat portion being extended longitudinally of the frame in a substantially horizontal plane to `provide for supporting the end springs of said nest of springs.

33. A nest of bolster springs formed as l two rows with a central spring positioned directly between intermediate springs of said rows making a -nest substantially shape in plan.

34. shape in plan, the uprights of said H being formed as two rows of spring units and the cross part of Vsaid H comprising a transverse row of spring units. n

35. 'A nest of springs substantially shaped in plan, and formed as two-rows of spring units adapted to extend longitudinally of an associated frame with another row of units forming the cross part of the H adapted to ext-end transversely of the frame, spring plates positioned one above and one below said nest of springs and retaining for holding the springs together before assembly with said fiaine.

36. A bolster formed with front or outer guide lugs extending from the lower portionthereof and terminating short of the upper A nest of 'springs substantially H- portion to facilitate insertion and removal of said bolster with respect to associated side frames. A a

37. A bolster formed with rear guide lugs extending the full depth. thereof and front guide lugs of reduced depth to permit insertion of said bolster in the window openinfg of a 'side frame which is of reduced size.

38. A truck bolster comprising inner guide portions adapted to cooperate with the bolster guide columns of a side Jframe andextending the full depth of the bolsterand outer guide portions extending onlypart-of the bolster depth and terminating short .of the upper portion thereof to facilitate insertion and removal with respect to a special side 39. A spring plank formed ,with triangular corrugations at the sides thereof near the ends, said corrugations serving to interlock with corresponding embossments on the spring plank seat portion of a side frame.-

sof

40. A spring pla'nk .substantially U-shape 1n crosssection and formed near each end thereof with triangular corrugations flaring upwardly from near the longitudinal center line thereof, said corrugations serving to interlock said spring plank with correspondingly formed portions on an associated side rame.

' 4l. spring plate `for a nest of springs formed generally H-shape in outline and provided with spring positioning collars on the uprights and crosspiece 'of said H, the

'outline of said 'betweefnthe upper and lower ends of 'said uprights being curved to engage corresponding corrugations on either side of an associated spring plank and propin outline and provided with s'pringfposition- Ying collars for properly locating said springs and corrugated portions extending between the upper and lower ends of the uprights of said H Afor interlocking with corresponding corrugations on the sides of an associated spring plank. Y

44. A spring plate fdr a -seven unit nest of springs formed generally H-shape in plan and provided with a row of spring positioning. collars on each upright and a, spring' postioningcollar on the ross-piece thereon, an intermediate spring positioning collar on each upright being adapted to engage retaining means for connecting said spring plate with another spring plate associated therewith. A

In testimony whereof I aix my signature.

DONALD s. BARRoWS, 

